Sidebar: Successful older workers

Postmedia News07.23.2012

Christopher Plummer accepts the Best Supporting Actor Award for 'Beginners' onstage during the 84th Annual Academy Awards held at the Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2012 in Hollywood, California.

- Christopher Plummer. Canadian actor. 82. Star of stage and screen, Plummer made his film debut in 1958 and hasn't stopped working since. He won his first Academy Award at 82, making him the oldest actor ever to receive the honour.

- Sir Richard Branson. British business magnate. 61 (turns 62 July 18). This year became the oldest person to kitesurf across the English Channel - an accolade he adds to an already long list of daredevil stunts, world record attempts, entrepreneurial successes and humanitarian efforts.

- Joan Rivers. Comedian. 79. Even as she approaches 80, the American TV personality shows no sign of relinquishing her title as one of the hardest-working women in show business.

- Helen Thomas. Journalist. 91. Known as the first lady of American political journalism for her decades of work as a White House correspondent. Thomas didn't retire from the news business until June 2010, just two months before her 90th birthday.

- Betty White. Actress. 90. White has worked steadily throughout her life, even becoming the oldest person to host Saturday Night Live in 2010. She now hosts her own TV show, on which seniors prank the younger generation.

- Cher. Singer. 66. The noted recording artist returned to the stage in her early 60s, kicking off a three-year, 200-performance engagement in Las Vegas. This September, she'll embark on a new concert tour.

- Gordon Lightfoot. Canadian folk artist. 73. The beloved entertainer, who was this year inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, continues to tour to sell-out crowds. In a typical year, he'll book about 60 performances.

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